A Rough Day For The Earnhardt Family At Dover International Speedway Friday

DOVER, Del. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat at the front of the infield media center Friday afternoon at Dover International Speedway, his demeanor sullen as he spoke about the decision by Hendrick Motorsports to fire his longtime crew chief Tony Eury Jr. on Thursday.

The TV was broadcasting video of his nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt sliding out of turn 4 on the track and crashing.

Earnhardt asked those in the room if Jeffrey had hit anything.

Yes, he did. Jeffrey Earnhardt, at Dover looking to make his Nationwide Series debut, crashed hard into the inside wall on the frontstretch after getting sideways coming to the frontstretch.

Jeffrey Earnhardt, a former regular in the Camping World East Series who is at Dover driving for Rick Ware Racing, was 24th fastest of the 44 cars on hand before the crash.

Jeffrey is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, the oldest child of the late Dale Earnhardt. Rick Ware Racing was preparing a backup car for him for Saturday morning qualifying in preparation for Saturday afternoon's Heluva Good 200 at Dover.

I heard a pit reporter state that Jr. was "sullen" and now you also state that he was "sullen". The Encarta World Dictionary gives the definition of sullen as: "hostilely silent: showing bad temper or hostility by a refusal to talk, behave sociably, or cooperate cheerfully". I also watched the interview and he seemed heavy hearted and sad to me. I really wonder why he even talks to the media. I guess many of you just get a kick out of kicking someone when they are down,and you seem to be one towards the top of that list.

I feel so sorry for both Jeffrey and Dale Jr. The Earnhardts are just not having a good year. I just wish all the Earnhardt Family plus Richard and his team can work together (Including Teresa Earnhardt). Dale Jr does not belong and Hendrick Motorsports in the first place. RCR and DEI work together and kick Hendrick and Kyle to the ground.

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On August 18, 1995 Shawn Courchesne attended his first short track racing event, filling in on coverage for a Friday night show at Stafford Motor Speedway for the Hartford Courant. Little did he realize that night ... read more